BackgroundSeveral inflammatory response biomarkers, including lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio LMR, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio NLR, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio PLR have been reported to predict survival in various cancers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical value of these biomarkers in patients undergoing curative resection for esophageal cancer.

MethodsThe LMR, NLR and PLR were calculated in 147 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy between January 2006 and February 2015. We examined the prognostic significance of the LMR, NLR, and PLR in both elderly and non-elderly patients. We evaluated the cancer-specific survival CSS, with the cause of death determined from the case notes or computerized records.

ConclusionsLMR was associated with cancer-specific survival CSS of esophageal cancer patients after curative esophagectomy. In particular, a low LMR was a significant and independent predictor of poor survival in non-elderly patients. The LMR was convenient, cost effective, and readily available, and could thus act as markers of survival in esophageal cancer.